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Klose scores against Ireland at the 2002 World Cup. Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport

Klose retires to leave Robbie Keane as the world's top international goalscorer

The German striker has decided to end his international career.

JUST A MONTH after becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 16 goals, breaking the record held by Brazil’s Ronaldo, Miroslav Klose has retired from international football.

The German, who was due to line out against Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier in October, retires after scoring 71 goals in 137 games for his country.

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However, the decision by the 36-year old – coupled with Didier Drogba quitting the Ivory Coast on Friday – means Robbie Keane is now the top active goalscorer in World football with 62 goals.

The Irish striker is six goals clear of Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and has scored a dozen more than Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Irish fans will be happy Klose will not line out with Germany in October’s game, the World Cup winners will miss the prolific striker.

Since his first goal – against Albania in March 2001 – the Germans have never lost a game in which he has scored.

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